[Mr. Banks]

And so it begins. I'm kicking off my build thread with all of the ideas for mods floating around in my head. Hopefully I'll get feedback and comments to help filter the good with the bad and everyone will enjoy assisting in another built thread. Here's the link to the 4runner gallery thread : Mr. Bank's 4runner

In no particular order, the future mods:

Wheels: I don't want anything to do with TRD on my 4runner. I like them but if they want to neglect the V8 4runner then fine. We don't need you. With that being said, my stock rims can hold out for now, and I'll just upgrade the tire size to help with the new look of the suspension until I can decide on rims. I am super picky. Tires will probably be bought on base because I'm cheap like that. It seems like the Dealership would only be more expensive and less selection.

Suspension: It started with a Daystar Lift kit from Wheeler's Off Road but in the last 2 months I have decided to go big or go home. Leaning on an Icon stage 2 lift to start. I do want to go bigger but If I do that I'll have to buy the parts individually and over time. If I went with an OW 2.5 I would be spending a little more but I would be done with it. If I went ICON there's the potential to want to build/spend all the way up to a stage 6, = $$$$. Not sure yet if I want a bumper and winch combo, but I'd rather have the suspension for it anyways. Yes ARK I have been paying close attention to your posts. I really like Metal Tech's prices, Metal Tech 4x4 - 4th Gen. (2003-2009)

Headlights 03-05 Toyota 4Runner Halo Projector Headlights - Black I really like how the 06 OEM LED tail swap worked out. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/908366-post67.html For the front, I'm torn between the Halo's and a projector retrofit. Either way I'll need headlights while I mod the stock set with a retrofit...

Other mods I have seen here with some wonderful write ups are:

- BluTooth for phone, and R/H steering wheel controls (have L/H audio controls already) My question is, where's the mic? I can't recall where or what it looks like.

- Overhead domelight console (with Homelink buttons) swap

- VSC/ATRAC (V8, 2UZ-FE) 4x4 mod with stock looking/OEM push-button. I want this to be done in a clean manner that doesn't cause any problems with dash lights.

- Eclipse AVN62D lockout/bypass switch for NAV/DVD use. Ordered this before I left for my deployment. Need to actually install this bad boy when I return in June.

- FJ "Bling" skid plate part number: PT212-35071. Yes I finally found it. Until I can decide on a CBI forward high center mounted hidden winch/recovery point, or an armored bumper, this is what I want under the front of my 4runner. I am not a fan of the Taco/4runner plate. I used to have this under my 4runner until one horrible experience with a dealership and my 60k mile inspection. They didn't reinstall it, and I was out a plate with no help from them to get a replacement. Now the search is over, and this is what I want until I make up my mind on bigger projects.